A WARNING went out yesterday over dangerous water heaters that pose threat of an electric shock.

The government is now moving to ban the import and sale of heaters known to be hazardous. It follows a series of lab tests in Germany on locally available water heaters.

The clampdown affects the following brand of water heaters: SCC-Vertical from Saudi Arabia, Gulf Boiler from Saudi Arabia, Hotex from Oman, HI-Therm from Italy and Eurolux from the UAE.

They were identified as safety risks during an annual review of product safety standards conducted by the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

The tests found the heaters could expose users to electric shocks in the event of a water leak.

Shops are now being asked to compile stock lists of water heaters made by the flawed brands, while Customs authorities have been notified to stop them at the border. Companies that continue to sell the flawed products could face prosecution.

Consumers are asked to report any complaints or suspicions on 17574871, by fax on 17530730 or by e-mail on bsmd@moic.gov.bh.